Tom, a 7-year-old rescue cat in Salem, VA, provides hospice care to patients at the VA Hospital in Salem, VA. Tom freely roams the hospice ward like a doctor making his rounds, nibbles treats sneaked to him by patients, and brings comfort to old soldiers and their families during an emotional time. When the staff first adopted Tom, they weren’t sure whether patients would approve. Now, it’s hard for them to imagine life in the ward without Tom. Families have thanked the staff for Tom’s calming presence. He’s even become the subject of a children’s book written by a local first-time author, whose own father died in the hospice and palliative care unit in 2012. For more about Tom and his amazing gift, read the full story on The Roanoke Times.

carol Anderson

carol Anderson

October 27, 2014 at 4:17 pm (4 years ago)

That is so wonderful! To allow a cat to freely roam the halls and visit these veterans is absolutely terrific. I know this cat brings such joy to them. Cats DO belong in hospitals and nursing homes. Everyone knows they lower stress and blood pressure.